Hiring security guards to make up the numbers in special care units is grossly inappropriate and leaves children at risk, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly.
Deputy Farrelly said:
“Hiring security guards to plaster over staff shortages in Tusla’s most secure units will degrade standards of care for our most vulnerable children.
“The event of staff taking sick leave should not lead to a major downgrade in best practice – security personnel are not qualified to address the levels of complexity found in special care settings.
“In the case of Crannóg Nua in North Dublin, staffing ratios have fallen below acceptable levels dictated by HIQA. However, replacing staff with security guards who have not been trained in trauma-informed care presents additional risks for children in situ.
“The situation in Crannóg Nua has resulted from chronic understaffing and governance failings by Tusla. It’s become normalised for Tusla to fail to run a service which complies with safeguarding standards for the children in its care.
“The number of social workers in Tusla who have gotten in touch and expressed their worries about recently undertaken reforms is a cause for urgent concern, while many feel that the organisation is moving backwards.
“The Government must address these shortcomings. I believe that something as important as the care of Ireland’s most vulnerable children is something that should be scrutinised to the utmost degree.
“I am once again urging the Government to stop sweeping Tusla’s issues under the rug and commit to a thorough examination of its governance structures, capacity and standards by conducting an independent review at the nearest possible opportunity.”
May 18th, 2026